Cryogenic Device with Hydraulic Control for Precise Cryopreservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cryogenization devices face challenges in controlling cryogenization times and conditions due to uncontrolled gas expansion and viscosity issues in hydraulic systems, leading to inefficient cryogenization processes.

Innovation Solution

A cryogenization device utilizing a hydraulic circuit with a pressurized accumulator and control system to drive a piston, using hydraulic oil to control the speed and pressure of cryogenic fluid, such as liquid nitrogen, for precise cryogenization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If gas expansion is used to drive the piston, then high displacement speeds are achieved, but control of temperature and pressure conditions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiston displacement speedVSAvoidcontrol of cryogenization conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces gas expansion with a hydraulic system using incompressible liquid to drive the piston. The hydraulic circuit includes a pump, control valves, and pressure regulation mechanisms that enable precise control of piston displacement speed while maintaining reliable control over temperature and pressure conditions during cryogenization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If hydraulic oil is used to drive the piston rapidly, then control of pressure and speed is improved, but viscosity of the hydraulic oil becomes a limiting factor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of piston speed and pressureVSAvoidpiston displacement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pressure regulation valves and flow control mechanisms that adjust hydraulic parameters dynamically. The system maintains optimal oil pressure and flow rate by compensating for viscosity effects, enabling controlled rapid piston movement despite the inherent viscosity of hydraulic oil.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If complex control systems are added to control gas expansion, then cryogenization conditions can be controlled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of cryogenization conditionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inherent properties of hydraulic systems - the incompressibility and pressure transmission characteristics of hydraulic oil - to simplify control. Standard hydraulic components like pressure relief valves, flow control valves, and pressure regulation mechanisms provide reliable control of cryogenization conditions without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple sensing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device achieves controlled cryogenization conditions, reducing times and improving the control of temperature and pressure, enabling efficient and precise cryogenization of samples.

Implementation Method 1

an accumulator comprising a first volume of pressurized hydraulic oil; a control system controlling a valve capable of releasing a second volume of hydraulic oil from the accumulator to a cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure transmission: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 2

a jack comprising a piston configured to be driven by the second volume of hydraulic oil and to drive a first volume of cryogenic fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic energy transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3836785B1Cryogenic device with a hydraulic control
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 CRYOCAPCELL
  • EP3836785B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3836785B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

This cryopreservation or vitrification device (1) comprises: an accumulator (2) comprising a first volume of pressurised hydraulic oil; a control system controlling a valve (20) capable of releasing a second volume of hydraulic oil from the accumulator to a cylinder (55) by means of a pipe (4); a cylinder (55) comprising a piston (6) configured to be driven by the second volume of hydraulic oil and to move a first volume of cryopreservation fluid to a cryopreservation chamber (7) intended to receive a sample (8) to be cryopreserved.